Lisa Brandt is a former broadcaster-turned-voiceover artist with thirty-five years of experience. While you will hear us talk about her career in Toronto and London studios, the good times and bad, the ‘playtime’ on the mic and her days in management, we had to talk about the storied career of another broadcaster who was recently ousted from her position anchoring a national newscast…someone only a year younger than her.

The recent news surrounding Lisa LaFlamme has not only struck a chord with broadcasters and women in media but Canadians everywhere. Viewers. The audience. 

Before you listen to this episode, please know and understand that there’s an ongoing investigation, and I don’t know any more detail than you do…On Linked In, Bell Media President and CEO Mirko Bibic shared the following statement:

Since Bell Media’s decision to end her contract, there has been heavy criticism. The narrative has been that Lisa’s age, gender or grey hair played into the decision. I am satisfied that this is not the case and wanted to make sure you heard it from me. While I would like to say more on the Bell Media decision, we are bound by a mutual separation agreement negotiated with Lisa, which we will continue to honour.

To address concerns raised regarding the working environment in the newsroom, we have begun an independent review involving confidential interviews with all newsroom employees who choose to participate. Any necessary changes that become evident will be implemented swiftly to ensure a respectful, unified workplace.  I also want to address the situation of our Vice President of National News, Michael Melling, who has been the subject of various allegations. Michael is on leave effective immediately, pending the outcome of the workplace review that is proceeding.

I couldn’t think of a better person to sort of unpack all of this with than someone who’s got 35 years of broadcasting experience, contemplated going grey in the spotlight, and a woman who is only a year older than Lisa LaFlamme. 

You can click HERE to read more.

Lisa’s radio highlights include co-anchoring the 680 News Toronto morning show and being part of the launch of two rock stations. Along the way, she interviewed the very famous, and the not-so-famous and wrote a book about the inner workings of media and how to get on the air. Make The Media Want You is one of her 5 books, so far. Lisa is now a full-time voice-over artist, content creator, and works from home where she’s supervised by a senior cat named Cuddles. I looked all over her website for a photo of the boss and was disappointed to see Cuddles stays behind the scenes. Find more about Lisa and her work here: https://www.voiceoflisabrandt.com/

Lisa mentions the late Christine Crosbie in this episode and we wanted to leave a little more information here for you in her memory. She passed away in 2019 after losing a battle with cancer; you can read more about HERE.

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